less than 1 minute read

Florence Griffith Joyner Biography

Born To Run, Olympic Dreams, World's Fastest Woman, Chronology, A Life Ended Too Soon



1959-1998

American sprinter

Florence Griffith Joyner, known as "FloJo," was the fastest woman alive. She won three gold medals at the Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea in 1988-in the 100- and 200-meter runs, and the 4×100 meter relay. Her world records for the 100 and 200 meters remain unbroken. The vibrant Griffith Joyner often wore flashy running outfits and long, brightly painted fingernails while competing. She died in her sleep at her home in Mission Viejo, California in 1998, after a seizure, at age 38.



Sketch by Michael Belfiore

Additional topics

Famous Sports StarsTrack and Field